Mittelstadt is expected to join the Sabres later this week, and fans will finally get a glimpse of the young star at an NHL level.

Because Mittelstadt is a late birthdate (Nov/98), he burns the first-year of his entry-level contract as soon as he signs it, but he does not get to count this season as a pro year, which means he won’t need to be protected for expansion draft (assuming it’s in 2020).